Paul Erdman (1932–2007)

Paul Erdman is one of those authors that actually has substantial knowledge and experience with the subject of his novels (others being Frederick Forsyth or Robin Cook).

When someone who knows how things are done decides to write about it in form of thriller, you get so interested that even rather (I mean come on we are not kidding anyone :)) dry economic matter becomes very interesting and bursting with energy.

In this power ride we follow unscrupulous bankers and hustlers trying to make a substantial profit from the economic crisis in 1970s, fall of USD and rise of price of gold. It is always amazing to me how much things rely on a handshake and word of trust (ha!) so when rumors start to spread it takes a lot of effort on all sides to put back everything under control. And at the end, that is never rosy with authors like Mr. Erdman and novels like this, every action has a consequence and sometimes these consequences are the final ones. I especially liked very realistic reaction of the Swiss intelligence officer after he figures out that he was played.

Excellent novel, highly recommended. And after you read this treat yourself with Crash '79 from the same author. After that one sees that there is nothing new under the sun for the things that shake the planet.… (mer)

The Set-Up is another excellent Erdman novel. In this tale the ex-chairman of the federal reserve, Charles Black, is on his way to attend a meeting at the international bank of settlements on a temporary basis standing in whilst a new chairman is appointed. Unfortunately for Charles, he is arrested at the airport upon entering Switzerland and held for insider trading & fraud - something he has not done.

Once more Erdman's intricate knowledge of the financial world is on display with a realistic portray of the fictional events and the manner in which they unfold.

Overall the book is very good, but I was a tad disappointed in the way it ended compared to his other books; that being said it's still a good book and worthwhile reading.… (mer)